Systems and Methods for Remotely Locking and Unlocking Vehicle Accessory Locks

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for remotely locking and unlocking vehicle accessory locks of vehicle accessories positioned on a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle includes main doors with locks that are remotely lockable and unlockable using main door lock actuators. Vehicle includes a vehicle controller that receives a user signal from a user, first determines a main door actuation command based on the first signal, and first transmits, based on the main door actuation command, a first actuation command signal to the main door lock actuators. The system includes accessory lock actuator(s) operably coupled to the accessory lock(s), accessory lock controller(s) operably coupled to the accessory lock actuator(s), and a gateway controller operably coupled to the vehicle controller. Gateway controller second determines an accessory lock actuation command based on the first actuation command signal, and second transmits, based on the accessory lock actuation command, a gateway signal to the accessory lock controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.application Ser. No. 16/708,880, filed on Dec. 10, 2019, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/782,705, filed Dec. 20, 2018. Bothof these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle accessories of various types provide vehicle users convenientways to extend the usefulness of their vehicles. In many suchaccessories employed by users on their vehicles, the vehicle accessoriesinclude locks for securing the accessory to the vehicle and/or securingcontents being stored in or on the accessories.

In at least some known vehicle accessories, accessory locks are powerlocks. In such examples, use of the accessory power locks may requireusers to carry more than one key fob with their vehicle ignition key. Inother known examples, hard wiring of the power accessory locks to thevehicle's battery requires running wires through the body of thevehicle, which not only require labor-intensive procedures and numerousadditional parts beside the accessory and accessory locks themselves,but also may void vehicle warranties for such issues as body corrosion.

Therefore, a need exists in the field of lockable vehicle accessoriesfor devices, systems, and methods for remotely locking and unlockingvehicle accessory locks that provide users more convenience, that areless expensive and less time-consuming to install, that are easier tooperate and maintain, that require fewer modifications to vehicles towhich they are attached and/or to the vehicle accessories themselves,and which make attaching the vehicle accessories to vehicles less likelyto violate vehicle warranty conditions.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure describes a method for remotely lockingand unlocking a vehicle accessory positioned on, or in, a vehicle. Theaccessory has at least one accessory lock. The vehicle includes one ormore main doors having remotely lockable and unlockable main door locks.The method includes receiving, at a vehicle controller positioned in oron the vehicle, a user signal from a vehicle user positioned inside oroutside the vehicle. The method also includes first determining, by thevehicle controller and based on the user signal, a main door actuationcommand. The method further includes first transmitting, by the vehiclecontroller and based on the determined main door actuation command, afirst actuation command signal to one or more main door lock actuators.The method also includes second determining, by a gateway controlleroperably coupled to the vehicle controller, an accessory lock actuationcommand based on the transmitted first actuation command signal. Themethod further includes second transmitting, by the gateway controllerand based on the determined accessory lock actuation command, a gatewaysignal to at least one accessory lock controller positioned on, in, orproximal the vehicle accessory and operably coupled to at least oneaccessory lock actuator.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes a system for remotelylocking and unlocking one or more vehicle accessories positioned on, orin, a vehicle. The one or more vehicle accessories have at least oneaccessory lock. The vehicle includes one or more main doors havingremotely lockable and unlockable main door locks. The vehicle alsoincludes one or more main door lock actuators operably coupled to themain door locks. The vehicle further includes a vehicle controllerpositioned in or on the vehicle. The vehicle controller is configured toreceive a user signal from a vehicle user positioned inside or outsidethe vehicle. The vehicle controller is also configured to firstdetermine, based on the user signal, a main door actuation command. Thevehicle controller is further configured to first transmit, based on thedetermined main door actuation command, a first actuation command signalto the one or more main door lock actuators. The system includes atleast one accessory lock actuator operably coupled to the at least oneaccessory lock. The system also includes at least one accessory lockcontroller operably coupled to the at least one accessory lock actuator.The system includes a gateway controller operably coupled to the vehiclecontroller. The gateway controller is configured to second determine anaccessory lock actuation command based on the transmitted firstactuation command signal. The gateway controller is also configured tosecond transmit, based on the determined accessory lock actuationcommand, a gateway signal to the at least one accessory lock controller.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure describes a non-transientcomputer-readable storage medium storing processor-executableinstructions for remotely locking and unlocking one or more vehicleaccessories positioned on, or in, a vehicle. When executed by one ormore processors, the processor-executable instructions cause the one ormore processors to determine an accessory lock actuation command basedon a transmitted first actuation command signal transmitted by a vehiclecontroller of the vehicle to one or more main door lock actuatorsoperably coupled to one or more vehicle main doors of the vehicle. Whenexecuted by the one or more processors, the processor-executableinstructions also cause the one or more processors to transmit, based onthe determined accessory lock actuation command, a gateway signal to atleast one accessory lock controller operably coupled to at least oneaccessory lock of the one or more vehicle accessories.

In still another aspect, the disclosure describes a method for remotelylocking and unlocking vehicle accessory locks. Method includesselecting, by a system user, a command using an input device such as agraphical user interface displayed to the user by way of a displaydevice. Method includes selectively transmitting, to an accessory lockcontroller receiver, a user signal. Method includes receiving the usersignal, and determining an accessory lock actuation command based on thereceived user signal. Method includes causing the accessory lockcontroller to: lock, or unlock, the accessory lock according to thedetermined accessory lock actuation command.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes a system for remotelylocking and unlocking one or more vehicle accessories of a vehicle. Theone or more vehicle accessories have at least one accessory lock. Thesystem includes: at least one accessory lock actuator operably coupledto the at least one accessory lock; at least one accessory lockcontroller operably coupled to the at least one accessory lock actuator,the at least one accessory lock controller including a receiver; and anaccessory lock control transmitter paired with the receiver andconfigured to selectively transmit, to the receiver, a user signal. Theat least one accessory lock controller is configured to: receive, usingthe receiver, the user signal; determine an accessory lock actuationcommand based on the received user signal; and cause the at least oneaccessory lock actuator to: lock, or unlock, the accessory lockaccording to the determined accessory lock actuation command.

The devices, systems, and methods for remotely locking and unlockingvehicle accessory locks disclosed herein provide users a number ofbeneficial technical effects and a more desirable user experience ascompared to known vehicle accessory locks. Such benefits include,without limitation, greater convenience, being less expensive and lesstime-consuming to install, being easier to operate and maintain,requiring fewer modifications to vehicles to which they are attachedand/or to the vehicle accessories themselves, and making attaching thevehicle accessories to vehicles less likely to violate vehicle warrantyconditions.

Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principleswill be appreciated from the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the principles related todevices, systems, and methods for remotely locking and unlocking vehicleaccessory locks are capable of being carried out in other and differentembodiments, and capable of being modified in various respects.Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in the form of a pickup truckhaving a vehicle accessory in the form of a bed cap with a portal in aclosed position and attached to an otherwise exposed bed according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 with theattached bed cap having the portal in an open position according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another vehicle in the form of a pickuptruck having a vehicle accessory in the form of a tonneau cover with aportal in a closed position and attached to the otherwise exposed bedaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 3 with theattached tonneau cover having the portal in an open position accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle in the form of a passenger carhaving a vehicle accessory in the form of a roof rack attached to a roofof the vehicle in a secured and locked position according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle with attached roof rackshown in FIG. 5 and having an additional accessory in the form of a rooftop box attached to the roof rack according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for remotely locking and unlockingvehicle accessory locks according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a state diagram representation of aspects of the method shownin FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of a system for remotely lockingand unlocking vehicle accessory locks according to an embodiment of thedisclosure

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a gateway controller of the system shownin FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the system shown in FIGS. 9A and 9Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method for remotely locking and unlockingvehicle accessory locks according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments orfeatures, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same orcorresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements describedherein, are made collectively or individually when there may be morethan one element of the same type. However, such references are merelyexemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements inthe singular may also be construed to relate to the plural andvice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exactnumber or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in theappended claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a vehicle (18) in the form of apickup truck having a vehicle accessory in the form of a bed cap (10)attached to an otherwise exposed bed (22) according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure. As attached to vehicle (18), bed cap (10) and theportion of vehicle (18) having the otherwise exposed bed (22) togetherdefine an enclosure (e.g., an enclosed hollow cavity). Bed cap (10)includes one or more portals (6). As shown in FIG. 1, portals (6) mayinclude at least one door (84) and/or at least one window (88). In FIG.2, door (84) is shown in an open position, as compared to door (84)shown in a closed position in FIG. 1. Window (88) is shown in a closedposition in FIGS. 1 and 2, but it is to be understood that window (88)may also be in an at least partially open position by the action of auser (48) of the vehicle accessory (e.g., bed cap (10)).

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, portals (6) include handles (8)to facilitate alternately opening and closing portals (6) by the actionof the user (48) of the vehicle accessory (e.g., bed cap (10)). Handles(8) include portal locks (24), which, with the portals (6) being in theclosed position, facilitate securing the portals (6) in a locked statein the closed position to prevent access to the enclosure and anycontents therein.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a vehicle (18) in the form of apickup truck having a vehicle accessory in the form of a tonneau cover(14) attached to an otherwise exposed bed (22) according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure. As attached to vehicle (18), tonneau cover(14) and the portion of vehicle (18) having the otherwise exposed bed(22) together define an enclosure (e.g., an enclosed hollow cavity).Tonneau cover (14) includes a portal (6) and a door (84), which is shownin an open position in FIG. 4, as compared to tonneau cover (14) in aclosed position in FIG. 3.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, tonneau cover (14) includes atleast one handle (8) to facilitate alternately opening and closing door(84) by the action of the user (48) of the vehicle accessory (e.g.,tonneau cover (14)). Handle (8) includes a lock (24), which, with thedoor (84) being in the closed position, facilitates securing the door(84) in a locked state in the closed position. In the illustratedexample, with the door (84) of the tonneau cover (14) in the closed andlocked position and with a tailgate (16) of the pickup truck vehicle(18) also in a closed and locked position, access to the otherwiseexposed bed (22) and any contents in the enclosure is prevented.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle (18) in the form of apassenger car having a vehicle accessory in the form of a roof rack (21)attached to a roof (23) of the vehicle (18) in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated example, roofrack (21) attaches to roof (23) by way of clamps (25), which are fittedbetween a portion of roof (23) and tops of main doors (28) on oppositesides of vehicle (18). Roof rack (21) includes (lock(s) (24). Roof rack(21) is shown in an attached and locked in place position in FIG. 5, ascompared to a detached state in which roof rack 21 is not attached toroof (23). In the locked state, removal of roof rack (21) from vehicle(18) is prevented. In the embodiment, lock(s) (24) of roof rack (21) areremotely lockable and unlockable by user (48) using the disclosed system(2) and/or method (200). As used herein, the phrase “remotely lockable”refers to the ability for a lock mechanism to be actuated alternatelyfrom locked to unlocked states from a position that is located distalthe lock mechanism, the position being separated from the lock mechanismby a finite distance that may be defined by a length of a wiredconnection or a range of a paired wireless transmitter and receiver(e.g., Bluetooth).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle (18) with attached roof rack(21) shown in FIG. 5 and having an additional accessory in the form of aroof top box (29) attached to the roof rack (21) according to anembodiment of the disclosure. In other embodiments (not shown in FIG.6), roof top box (29) is attached directly to vehicle (18) roof (23),instead of being attached to roof (23) via roof rack (21) assembly. Inany event, as attached to vehicle (18), roof top box (29) defines anenclosure (e.g., an enclosed hollow cavity). Roof top box (29) includeslock(s) (24), and is alternately opened and closed by user (48) tofacilitate placing items into the enclosure. Roof top box (29) is shownattached to vehicle (18) and in a closed and locked state in FIG. 6, ascompared to an open and unlocked state in which the enclosure and any ofits contents are accessible from the outside. In the closed and lockedstate, opening of roof top box (29) and access to the enclosure and itscontents is prevented. In the embodiment, lock(s) (24) of roof rack (21)are remotely lockable and unlockable by user (48) using the disclosedsystem (2) and/or method (200).

In other embodiments (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), roof rack (21) mayhave additional and/or other accessories and/or subaccessories which maybe lockably attached to roof rack (21). For example, and withoutlimitation, a ski and/or bike mount may be attached to crossbar (27) ofroof rack (21) assembly. In such embodiments, subaccessories may includelock(s) (24) of their own, either instead of or in addition to, roofrack (21) lock(s) (24). In a locked state, items mounted to or otherwiseheld and/or attached to such accessories and/or subaccessories withlock(s) (24) of their own are prevented from being removed from the roofrack (21) and/or its attached accessories and/or subaccessories. In theembodiment, lock(s) (24) of roof rack (21) are remotely lockable andunlockable by user (48) using the disclosed system (2) and/or method(200). In such embodiments, the additional and/or other accessoriesand/or subaccessories that are lockably attached to roof rack (21) areremotely lockable and unlockable by user (48) using the disclosed system(2) and/or method (200). In yet other embodiments, vehicle (18) may haveattached to it a tailgate (16)—or trunk-mounted bike mount accessoryhaving lock(s) (24). In those embodiments, the tailgate (16)—ortrunk-mounted bike mount accessory that lockably attaches to vehicle(18) and/or lockably secures bikes and/or parts thereof to the bikemount are remotely lockable and unlockable by user (48) using thedisclosed system (2) and/or method (200).

Although the vehicle (18) illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 takes the form of apickup truck and the vehicle (18) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 takes the formof a passenger car without exposed bed (22), other types of vehicles mayhave vehicle accessories including locks of various types with which thesystems and methods for remotely locking and unlocking vehiclesaccessories may be beneficially utilized by users (48) thereof. Forexample, and without limitation, such other types of vehicle (18)include a jeep, a flatbed truck, a tractor-trailer truck having one ormore trailers, a passenger car, a passenger car having the otherwiseexposed bed (22), a van, a racing vehicle, a farm machinery vehicle, acamper vehicle, and a custom-built vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method (200) for remotely locking andunlocking vehicle (18) accessory locks (24) according to an embodimentof the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a state diagram representation of aspectsof the method (200) shown in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of a system (2) forremotely locking and unlocking vehicle (18) accessory locks (24)according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, method (200) is implemented, at least inpart, using system (2).

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 9A, and 9B, method (200) includes receiving(204), at a vehicle controller (40) positioned in or on the vehicle(18), a user signal (44) from a vehicle user (48) positioned inside oroutside the vehicle (18). Method (200) also includes first determining(208), by the vehicle controller (40) and based on the user signal (44),a main door actuation command. Method (200) further includes firsttransmitting (212), by the vehicle controller (40) and based on thedetermined main door actuation command, a first actuation command signal(56) to one or more main door lock actuators (36). Method (200) alsoincludes second determining (216), by a gateway controller (68) operablycoupled to the vehicle controller (40), an accessory lock actuationcommand based on the transmitted first actuation command signal (56). Inembodiments where the vehicle accessory includes one or more portals(6), the accessory lock actuation command is or includes a portal lockactuation command.

As used herein, the phrase “operably (or operatively) coupled (orconnected),” refers to two or more functionally-related components beingcoupled to one another for purposes of translation and/or transfer of amechanical force, a flow of electric current, and/or a flow of datasignals. In the case of data communication, this coupling of the two ormore components may be a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.

As used herein, the word “controller” refers to an computing device, anapplication-specific integrated circuit, and combinations thereof,capable of implementing operations based in logical operations,arithmetic operations, measurement operations, sensing operations, andcombinations thereof, for purposes of performing one or more actions asoutput(s) (e.g., causing the transmission of a control signal distalgateway controller (68)) in response to one or more input(s) (e.g., anelectric current begins to flow in a conductor connected to vehiclecontroller (40)).

Method (200) further includes second transmitting (220), by the gatewaycontroller (68) and based on the determined accessory lock actuationcommand, a gateway signal (76) to at least one accessory lock controller(64) positioned on, in, or proximal, the vehicle accessory (e.g., bedcap (10), tonneau cover (14), roof rack (31), roof rack subaccessory,and the like) and operably coupled to at least one accessory lockactuator (60). In embodiments where the vehicle accessory includes oneor more portals (6), the gateway signal (76) is transmitted (220) by thegateway controller (68) to at least one portal lock controller (64)based on the determined portal lock actuation command. Method (200) alsoincludes third transmitting (224), by the at least one accessory lockcontroller (64) and based on the gateway signal (76), a second actuationcommand signal (80) to the at least one accessory lock actuator (60)operably coupled to the at least one accessory lock (24). In embodimentswhere the vehicle accessory includes one or more portals (6), the secondactuation command is transmitted (224), based on the gateway signal(76), by the at least one portal lock controller (64) operably coupledto the at least one portal lock (24).

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the one or more main doors one or moremain doors (28) of vehicle (18) have remotely lockable and unlockablemain door locks (32). Vehicle controller (40) is positioned in or on thevehicle (18) (e.g., in an engine compartment (20) of vehicle (18)).Vehicle controller (40) includes a transceiver (42). In an example,vehicle controller (40) includes a receiver either in place of, or inaddition to, transceiver (42). In such embodiments, the functionality oftransceiver (42) in the ensuing description is equally applicable toreceiver of vehicle controller (40). Vehicle controller (40) may alsoinclude a programmable logic controller (PLC) (not shown in FIGS. 9A and9B). Vehicle controller (40) may also include an H-bridge circuit (notshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B).

Vehicle (18) also includes a power supply (38). For example, and withoutlimitation, power supply (38) is or includes a battery positioned inengine compartment (20). In the illustrated example, vehicle controller(40) is coupled to power supply (38), which supplies electric power tovehicle controller (40) and main door lock actuators (36). Main doorlock switches (34) allow user (48) to alternately lock and unlock maindoor locks (32) by manually manipulating the switches (34), such as whenuser (48) is located inside a cabin (26) of vehicle (18). As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, in a preferred embodiment, gateway controller (68)receives electric power from power supply (38) (e.g., battery) foroperation in accordance with the disclosed system (2) and method (200).In an example, gateway controller (68) includes a DC-DC power converterand/or power conditioning circuitry to yield an operating voltage (e.g.,˜12 V DC to ˜5 V DC) suitable for performing the disclosed functionsusing the disclosed components in operation according to the disclosedsystem (2) and method (200). In another example (not shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B), gateway controller (68) includes overcurrent and/or othercircuit protective devices. In other embodiments (not shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B), gateway controller (68) includes a dedicated power supply(e.g., one or more batteries) instead of or in addition to (e.g., as abackup power supply) power supply (38).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle controller(40) receives (204) (e.g., using transceiver (42)) user signal (44) fromthe vehicle user (48) positioned inside or outside the vehicle (18).Vehicle controller (40) first determines (208), based on the user signal(44), main door actuation command. Vehicle controller (40) firsttransmits (212) (e.g., using transceiver (42)), based on the determinedmain door actuation command, first actuation command signal (56) to theone or more main door lock actuators (36).

In the example embodiment, accessory and/or portal lock controller(s)(60) are operably coupled to accessory and/or portal lock(s) (24).Gateway controller (68) is operably coupled to vehicle controller (40).Gateway controller (68) includes a transceiver (70). In an example,gateway controller (68) includes a transmitter either in place of, or inaddition to, transceiver (70). In such embodiments, the functionality oftransceiver (70) in the ensuing description is equally applicable totransmitter of gateway controller (68). Gateway controller (68) seconddetermines (216) accessory lock and/or portal lock actuation command(s)based on the transmitted first actuation command signal (56). Gatewaycontroller (68) second transmits (220) (e.g., using transceiver (70)),based on the determined accessory lock and/or portal actuationcommand(s), gateway signal (76) to the accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64). Accessory and/or portal lock controllers (64)include transceiver(s) (66). In an example, accessory and/or portal lockcontrollers (64) include receiver(s) either in place of, or in additionto, transceiver(s) (66). In such embodiments, the functionality oftransceiver(s) (66) in the ensuing description is equally applicable toreceiver(s) of accessory and/or portal lock controllers (64). Accessoryand/or portal lock controller(s) receive (e.g., using transceiver(s)(66)) gateway signal (76). In the example, accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64) third transmit (224) (e.g., using transceiver(s)(66)), based on gateway signal (76), second actuation command signal(80) to accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64) and accessory and/or portal lock actuators (60)include a power supply (62). In one example, power supply (62) includesone or more batteries. Power supply (62) batteries may be rechargeablebatteries. In an embodiment (not shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B), accessoryand/or portal lock controller(s) (64) include a battery lifeindicator(s) to provide user (48) a warning as to when the power supply(62) battery or batteries are at or nearing the end of their usefulservice life. In an example, battery life indicator(s) include lamps(e.g., LED(s)) that are visual to user (48) from outside vehicle (18)and/or from within cabin (26). In such examples, lamps may be steadilyilluminated or flash on and off when battery or batteries are nearing ornearing end of life status. In another example, battery lifeindicator(s) include speaker(s) that generate sound(s) that are audibleuser (48) from outside vehicle (18) and/or from within cabin (26). Insuch examples, speakers may steadily emit sound(s) or they mayintermittently emit sound(s) (e.g., beep) when battery or batteries arenearing or nearing end of life status.

In the illustrated example, one or more photovoltaic (PV) generators(74) are positioned on an exterior surface of accessory (e.g., bed cap(10)) and/or vehicle (18) that is illuminated, at least in part, bynatural (e.g., solar) and/or artificial light. Electric power isprovided by PV generator(s) (74) to power supply (62) to charge therechargeable batteries therein. In other examples, energy harvestingdevices (not shown) such as wind turbines and/or vibrational energyharvesters may be positioned on, in, or proximal the vehicle accessory(e.g., bed cap (10)) and/or vehicle (18) for providing electrical powerto charge batteries of power supply (62). In yet other examples,accessory and/or portal lock controller(s) (64) and accessory and/orportal lock actuators (60) are provided with electric power from powersupply (38) of vehicle (18), either instead of or in addition to frombatteries of power supply (62).

In an embodiment, user signal (44) is a user radio signal (44), and thereceiving (204) of method (200) includes receiving (204), at the vehiclecontroller (40), the user radio signal (44) from the user (48). In theembodiment, vehicle controller (40) uses transceiver (42) to receive(204) user radio signal (44) from user (48). In an embodiment, thereceiving (204) of method (200) includes receiving (204), at the vehiclecontroller (40), user radio signal (44) from a key fob (92) held by user(48). In the embodiment, vehicle controller (40) uses transceiver (42)to receive (204) user radio signal (44) from key fob (92).

In an embodiment, method (200) also includes first decoding, by thevehicle controller (40), user signal (44). In the embodiment, vehiclecontroller (40) first decodes user signal (44). In an embodiment, thefirst determining (208) step of method (200) includes first determining(208), by the vehicle controller (40) and based on the decoded usersignal (44), main door actuation command. In the embodiment, vehiclecontroller (40) first determines (208), based on the decoded user signal(44), main door actuation command. In an embodiment, the firstdetermining (208) step of method (200) includes first determining (208),by the vehicle controller (40) and based on user signal (44), one of: amain door lock command, and a main door unlock command. In theembodiment, vehicle controller (40) first determines (208), based onuser signal (44), one of: a main door lock command, and a main doorunlock command.

In an embodiment, gateway signal (76) is a gateway radio signal (76),and the second transmitting (220) step of method (200) includes secondtransmitting (220) (e.g., using transceiver (70)), by the gatewaycontroller (68) and based on the determined accessory and/or portal lockactuation command(s), gateway radio signal (76) to accessory and/orportal lock controller(s) (64). In the embodiment, gateway controller(68) uses transceiver (70) to second transmit (220), based on thedetermined accessory and/or portal actuation command(s), gateway radiosignal (76) to accessory and/or portal lock controller(s) (64).

In an embodiment, gateway radio signal (76) is a Bluetooth signal (76),and the second transmitting (220) step of method (200) includes secondtransmitting (220) (e.g., using transceiver (70)), by the gatewaycontroller (68) and based on the determined accessory and/or portalactuation command(s), the Bluetooth signal (76) to accessory and/orportal lock controller(s) (64). In the embodiment, gateway controller(68) uses transceiver (70) to second transmit (220), based on thedetermined portal actuation command, Bluetooth signal (76) to accessoryand/or portal lock controller(s) (64). In an embodiment, method (200)further includes encoding, by the gateway controller (68) and prior tothe second transmitting (220) step, the gateway radio signal (76) usinga Bluetooth protocol. In the embodiment, gateway controller (68) encodesgateway radio signal (76) using Bluetooth protocol prior to secondtransmitting (220) gateway radio signal (76) using transceiver (70).

In an embodiment, method (200) also includes second decoding, by theaccessory and/or portal lock controller(s) (64), the gateway signal(76). In the embodiment, accessory and/or portal lock controller(s) (64)second decodes the gateway signal (76). In an embodiment, the thirdtransmitting (224) step of method (200) includes third transmitting(224) (e.g., using transceiver (66)), by accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64) and based on the decoded gateway signal (76), thesecond actuation command signal (80). In the embodiment, accessoryand/or portal lock controller(s) (64) uses transceiver (66) to thirdtransmit (224) second actuation command signal (80) based on decodedgateway signal (76).

In an embodiment, the second determining (216) step includes seconddetermining (216), by the gateway controller (68) and based on thetransmitted first actuation command signal (56), one of: an accessoryand/or portal lock command, and an accessory and/or portal unlockcommand. In the embodiment, the gateway controller (68) seconddetermines (216), based on transmitted first actuation command signal(56), one of: the accessory and/or portal lock command, and theaccessory and/or portal unlock command.

In an embodiment, method (200) further includes actuating, by the atleast one accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) and based on thesecond actuation command signal (80), the accessory and/or portallock(s) (24). In the embodiment, accessory and/or portal lockactuator(s) (60) actuate accessory and/or portal lock(s) (24) based onthe second actuation command signal (80).

In an embodiment, method (200) also includes locking, by the main doorlock actuator(s) (36) and based on the first actuation command signal(56), the main door locks (32). In the embodiment, main door lockactuator(s) (36) lock main door locks (32) based on first actuationcommand signal (56). In an embodiment, method (200) further includesunlocking, by the main door lock actuator(s) (36) and based on the firstactuation command signal (56), the main door locks (32). In theembodiment, main door lock actuator(s) (36) unlock main door locks (32)based on first actuation command signal (56). In an embodiment, theactuating step of method (200) is performed concurrently with thelocking and unlocking steps of method (200). In the embodiment,accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) actuate accessory and/orportal lock(s) (24) concurrently with main door lock actuator(s) (36)locking or unlocking main door lock(s) (32).

In an embodiment, the actuating of method (200) step includes: locking,by the accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60), the accessoryand/or portal lock(s) (24) in response to the determined accessoryand/or portal actuation command being the accessory and/or portal lockcommand. In the embodiment, accessory and/or portal lock actuator (60)locks accessory and/or portal lock(s) (24) in response to accessoryand/or portal actuation command determined by gateway controller (68)being accessory and/or portal lock command. In an embodiment, theactuating step of method (200) includes unlocking, by the accessoryand/or portal lock actuator(s) (60), the accessory and/or portal lock(s)(24) in response to the determined accessory and/or portal actuationcommand being the accessory and/or portal unlock command. In theembodiment, accessory and/or portal lock actuator (60) unlocks accessoryand/or portal lock(s) (24) in response to accessory and/or portalactuation command determined by gateway controller (68) being accessoryand/or portal unlock command.

In an embodiment, method (200) further includes encoding, by the gatewaycontroller (68), the gateway signal (76) to contain information that isfunctionally equivalent to information encoded by the first actuationcommand signal (56). In the embodiment, gateway controller (68)encode(s) gateway signal (76) to contain information that isfunctionally equivalent to information encoded by first actuationcommand signal (56).

In an embodiment, the first determining (208) step of method (200)includes first determining (208), by the vehicle controller (40) andbased on the user signal (44), one of: a main door lock commandeffecting a flow of current in main door lock actuator(s) (36) in afirst direction (114); and a main door unlock command effecting a flowof current in the main door lock actuator(s) (36) in a second direction(118), where the second direction is opposite the first direction (114).In the embodiment, vehicle controller (40) first determines (208), basedon user signal (44), one of: the main door lock command effecting theflow of current in main door lock actuators (36) in the first direction(114); and the main door unlock command effecting the flow of current inmain door lock actuator(s) (36) in the second direction (118).

In an embodiment, the second determining (216) step of method (200)includes detecting, by the gateway controller (68), a direction (114,118) of the flow of current in and/or a polarity of the applied voltageof the main door lock actuator(s) (36). In the embodiment, gatewaycontroller (68) detects the direction (114, 118) of the flow of currentin and/or a polarity of the applied voltage of the main door lockactuator(s) (36).

In an embodiment, method (200) also includes positioning the accessoryand/or portal lock controller(s) (64) on, in, or proximal the vehicleaccessory of the vehicle (18). In an embodiment, the accessory and/orportal lock controller(s) (64) is/are positioned proximal accessoryand/or portal lock(s) (24).

In one embodiment, the accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) isor includes a solenoid actuator. In another embodiment, the accessoryand/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) is or includes an electric motor. Inyet another embodiment, the accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s)(60) is or includes a motorized linear actuator. In still anotherembodiment, the accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) is orincludes a direct current (DC) motor. In another embodiment still, theaccessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) is or includes a gearedelectric motor rotatably coupled to a geared lock (24) mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 8, in an embodiment, method (200) includes a counting(402) step. For vehicle controllers (40) having the capacity todetermine (e.g., in step 208) actuation commands separately for each ofthe main doors (28) and/or for main doors (28) and a vehicle (18)tailgate (16) or trunk (e.g., by receiving multiple user signals (44)),gateway controller (68) counts (402) a corresponding number of firstactuation command signals (56) transmitted by vehicle controller (40).In this embodiment, gateway controller (68) does not transmit gatewaysignal (76) to accessory and/or portal lock actuator(s) (60) unless anduntil a threshold count value is met. In an example, a single key fob(92) press by user (48) does not result in either locking or unlockingof accessory lock(s) (24). In this example, a first performance of thecounting (402) step includes determining, by gateway controller (68)that a first actuation command signal (56) has been transmitted byvehicle controller (40) (e.g., to a driver side main door lock actuator(36)). In the example, the first performance of the counting (402) stepalso includes starting either a digital or analog electronic timer upondetermining that first actuation command signal (56) was transmitted. Ifan elapsed time during this first performance of the counting (402) stepis less than (or, in some embodiments, less than or equal to) a firstpredetermined amount of time (e.g., specified by user (48) or by asystem (2) manufacturer), then method (200) proceeds to a secondperformance of the second determining (216) step. If another user signal(44) is received by vehicle controller (40) and another first actuationcommand signal (56) is transmitted to, for instance, passenger side maindoor lock actuator (36) within the first predetermined amount of time,then gateway controller (68) transmits gateway signal (76). If thiselapsed time condition is not met during the first performance of thecounting (402) step, then method (200) proceeds to an end state, asshown in FIG. 8.

In another example (denoted by dashed lines in FIG. 8), if the elapsedtime condition is met during the first performance of the counting (402)step, gateway controller (68) does not transmit gateway signal (76), butinstead performs a second occurrence of the counting (402) step. If anelapsed time during this second performance of the counting (402) stepis less than (or, in some embodiments, less than or equal to) a secondpredetermined amount of time (e.g., specified by user (48) or by asystem (2) manufacturer), then method (200) proceeds to a thirdperformance of the second determining (216) step. In this example, thefirst and second predetermined amount of time are equal. In otherexamples, they are not equal. If yet another user signal (44) isreceived by vehicle controller (40) and yet another first actuationcommand signal (56) is transmitted to, for instance, a trunk lockactuator within the second predetermined amount of time, then gatewaycontroller (68) transmits gateway signal (76). If this elapsed timecondition is not met during the second performance of the counting (402)step, then method (200) proceeds to an end state. In other embodiments(not shown in FIG. 8), greater than two occurrences of the counting(402) step may be performed in method (200) in like manner as describedabove and with reference to FIG. 8. In any of these embodiments,including one or more performances of the counting (402) step mitigatesa risk of accidentally unlocking accessory and/or portal lock(s) (24) atundesired times (e.g., while vehicle (18) is moving).

Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, gateway controller (68)includes one or more processors (303), wherein each of the processor(s)(303) include at least one CPU (305). In such embodiments, gatewaycontroller (68) includes one or more memory devices (309) operablycoupled to processor(s) (303). In some such embodiments, memorydevice(s) (309) include non-transient computer-readable media (300)which store process-executable instructions (e.g., software (301)) forremotely locking and unlocking vehicle accessory locks. When executed bythe one or more processor(s) (303), the processor-executableinstructions cause the one or more processor(s) (303) to perform one ormore of the above-described steps of method (200) implemented, at leastin part, using system (2).

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the system (2) shown in FIGS. 9A and9B according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment,vehicle controller (40) includes a PLC (94) and an H-bridge circuit(96). PLC (94) implements a main door lock control scheme for main doorlocks (32). Transceiver (42) of vehicle controller (40) receives (204)user signal (44) from key fob (92), and user signal (44) is relayed toPLC (94). PLC (94) first determines (208) main door actuation commandbased on the received user signal (44). For instance, if a current stateof main door locks (32) is locked and user signal (44) indicates thatuser (48) wishes to unlock main door locks (32), PLC (94) initiates aflow of electric current via H-bridge circuit (96) in the firstdirection (114) to and at a first voltage polarity across terminals ofmain door lock actuators (36), thereby causing actuators (36) to actuatemechanisms of main door locks (32) from an unlocked position to a lockedposition.

In the embodiment, accessory and/or portal lock(s) (24) are also in alocked state at such times when main door locks (32) are in the lockedstate. Gateway controller (68) is operably coupled to electrical linesconnecting H-bridge (96) to main door actuators (36) and which are usedfor first transmitting (212) first actuation command signal (56). In theexample shown in FIG. 11, gateway controller (68) is operably coupled tothe H-bridge (96) and/or to main door actuators (36) lines by way of atleast one connector (98) (e.g., clips). In another embodiment (notshown), gateway controller (68) is operably coupled to the H-bridge (96)to main door actuators (36) lines by way of at least one contactlesssensor (e.g., at least one current clamp which senses at least one ofthe current flow direction in and the voltage polarity of the H-bridge(96) to main door actuators (36) lines).

In the embodiment, gateway controller (68) second determines (216)accessory lock actuation command based on the current flow direction inand/or the voltage polarity of the H-bridge to main door actuators (36)lines carrying first actuation command signal (56). Thus, with thecurrent flow being in first direction (114) and the first voltagepolarity existing in the H-bridge to main door actuators (36) carryingfirst actuation command signal (56), gateway controller (68) seconddetermines (216) accessory lock actuation command to be an accessorylock unlock command. Based on the determined accessory lock unlockcommand, gateway controller (68) uses transceiver (70) to secondtransmit (220) gateway signal (76) to accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64).

In the embodiment, accessory and/or portal lock controller(s) (64)include a PLC (97) and an H-bridge circuit (99). PLC (97) implements anaccessory and/or portal lock control scheme for accessory and/or portallocks (24). Transceiver (66) of accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64) receives gateway signal (76) from gateway controller(68), and gateway signal (76) is relayed to PLC (97). PLC (97)determines and third transmits (224) to accessory and/or portal lockactuator(s) 60) the second actuation command signal (80) based on thereceived gateway signal (76). For instance, if a current state ofaccessory and/or portal locks (24) is locked and gateway signal (76)indicates that user (48) wishes to unlock accessory and/or portal locks(24), PLC (97) initiates a flow of electric current via H-bridge circuit(99) in the first direction (114) to and at the first voltage polarityacross terminals of accessory and/or portal lock actuators (60), therebycausing actuators (60) to actuate mechanisms of accessory and/or portallock actuator(s) (60) from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Also, for instance, if a current state of main door locks (32) isunlocked and user signal (44) indicates that user (48) wishes to lockmain door locks (32), PLC (94) initiates a flow of electric current viaH-bridge circuit (96) in the second direction (118) to and at a secondvoltage polarity across terminals of main door lock actuators (36),thereby causing actuators (36) to actuate mechanisms of main door locks(32) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

In the embodiment, accessory and/or portal lock(s) (24) are also in anunlocked state at such times when main door locks (32) are in theunlocked state. Gateway controller (68), operably coupled to vehiclecontroller (40) as described above, second determines (216) accessorylock actuation command based on the current flow direction in and/or thevoltage polarity of the H-bridge to main door actuators (36) linescarrying first actuation command signal (56). Thus, with the currentflow being in second direction (118) and the second voltage polarityexisting in the H-bridge to main door actuators (36) carrying firstactuation command signal (56), gateway controller (68) second determines(216) accessory lock actuation command to be an accessory lock command.Based on the determined accessory lock command, gateway controller (68)uses transceiver (70) to second transmit (220) gateway signal (76) toaccessory and/or portal lock controller(s) (64).

In the embodiment, transceiver (66) of accessory and/or portal lockcontroller(s) (64) receives gateway signal (76) from gateway controller(68), and gateway signal (76) is relayed to PLC (97). PLC (97)determines and third transmits (224) to accessory and/or portal lockactuator(s) 60) the second actuation command signal (80) based on thereceived gateway signal (76). For instance, if a current state ofaccessory and/or portal locks (24) is unlocked and gateway signal (76)indicates that user (48) wishes to lock accessory and/or portal locks(24), PLC (97) initiates a flow of electric current via H-bridge circuit(99) in the second direction (118) to and at the second voltage polarityacross terminals of accessory and/or portal lock actuators (60), therebycausing actuators (60) to actuate mechanisms of accessory and/or portallock actuator(s) (60) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method (400) for remotely locking andunlocking vehicle accessory locks according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 12, in one embodiment, system(2) includes the at least one accessory lock actuator (60) operablycoupled to the at least one accessory lock (24), and the at least oneaccessory lock controller (64) operably coupled to the at least oneaccessory lock actuator (60). In the embodiment, the transceiver (66) isembodied in a receiver (66), and the system (2) includes an accessorylock control transmitter (33) paired with the receiver (66) forselectively transmitting (420) a user signal (37 or 49) to the receiver(66). Method (400) includes selecting, by a user (48) of the system (2),a command using an input device such as a graphical user interface (41)displayed (46) to user (48) by way of a display device (51). Method(400) includes selectively transmitting (420), to receiver (66), a usersignal (e.g., 37 or 49). Method (400) includes receiving (430) the usersignal (37 or 49), and determining (440) the accessory lock actuationcommand (80) based on the received (430) user signal (37 or 49). Method(400) includes causing (450) the accessory lock controller(s) (60) to:lock, or unlock, the accessory lock(s) (24) according to the determined(440) accessory lock actuation command (80).

In an example, system (2) includes a touchpad device (69) which includesthe accessory lock control transmitter (33) (e.g., Bluetooth) and adisplay device (51). Touchpad device (69) may be positioned, or at leastpositionable, in view of a system (2) user (48), such as removablyattached to a portion of a dashboard or center console in the cabin (26)of vehicle (18). Touchpad device (69) may be powered by an internalbattery and/or by way of a power cord (39) that enables touchpad device(69) to receive power from vehicle (18) power supply (38) via a poweroutlet (30) (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket). In the example, thedisplay device (51) of touchpad device (69) displays (460) a graphicaluser interface (GUI) (41) to the user (48) to enable him or her toselect (410) a desired command to be encoded into user signal (37). Inthe illustrated example of FIGS. 9A and 9B, GUI (41) includes aplurality of buttons that, when touched by user (48), cause touchpaddevice (69) to implement a corresponding function. GUI (41) includes anunlock button (15) and a lock button (17). GUI (41) may also include amenu button (19) to enable user (48) to select from among a plurality ofvehicle (18) accessories that are respectively controllable by thesystem (2) of the present embodiment. For instance, user (41) may usethe menu button (19) to select a tonneau cover (14) handle (8) lock(24), and then touch the unlock button (15), which causes thetransmitter (33) to transmit the corresponding user signal (37). The GUI(41) thus facilitates selectively transmitting (420), by the user (48)and via the transmitter (33), the user signal (37) to the receiver (66)in method (400).

In another example, system (2) includes an accessory lock controlapplication (43) that is executable by a computing device such as asmartphone (35). In this example, the smartphone (35) includes theaccessory lock control transmitter (33), which may be a Bluetoothtransmitter. The smartphone (35) includes a respective display device(51). Application (43) may be stored in a memory device (not shown)on-board smartphone (35). When executed by a processor (45) of thesmartphone (35), the application causes a GUI (41) to be displayed (460)on the display device (51). In this example, the GUI (51) includes thesame or similar buttons (15, 17, 19), and for the same or similarfunctional ends, as described above with reference to the touchpaddevice (69) GUI (41). For instance, user (41) may use the menu button(19) to select a tonneau cover (14) handle (8) lock (24), and then touchthe lock button (15), which causes the transmitter (33) to transmit thecorresponding user signal (37) to receiver (66). The GUI (41) thusfacilitates selectively transmitting (420), by the user (48) and via thetransmitter (33) of smartphone (35), the user signal (37) to thereceiver (66) in method (400).

In another embodiment, transmitter (33) of touchpad device (69) and/orsmartphone (35) transmits user signal (37 or 49) to gateway controller(68) instead of to receiver (66). In this embodiment, the transmitter(33) of touchpad device (69) and/or smartphone (35) assumes the same orsimilar functionality of the vehicle (18) key fob (92) as shown anddescribed above with reference to use of system (2) in, for example,method (200). Thus, the user (48) of system (2) may perform method (200)using the application (43) and/or the touchpad device (69) in theabsence of being in possession of key fob (92) as, for instance, whereuser (48) is a vehicle (18) passenger, and the vehicle (18) driver isnot located near the vehicle (18) or the passenger. Application (43) andtouchpad device (69) thus enhances the flexibility of, and widens thepotential user cases for, the user experience for system (2) inpracticing method (200).

Embodiments of the above-described devices, systems, and methods forremotely locking and unlocking vehicle accessory locks provide users anumber of beneficial technical effects and a more desirable userexperience as compared to known vehicle accessory locks. Such benefitsinclude, without limitation, greater convenience, being less expensiveand less time-consuming to install, being easier to operate andmaintain, requiring fewer modifications to vehicles to which they areattached and/or to the vehicle accessories themselves, and makingattaching the vehicle accessories to vehicles less likely to violatevehicle warranty conditions.

The various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in theillustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed aslimiting of the present disclosure.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may becontemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems andmethods without departing from the spirit and scope of what isdisclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within thescope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims andany equivalents thereof.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for remotely locking and unlocking aplurality of vehicle accessories of a vehicle, comprising: detecting, bya gateway controller and using a gateway electrical line, a transmittedfirst actuation command signal on a dedicated electrical line between avehicle controller and a door actuator of a door of the vehicle, whereinthe vehicle controller provides, based on a user signal, the transmittedfirst actuation command signal via the dedicated electrical line to thedoor actuator to lock or unlock the door of the vehicle, and wherein thegateway electrical line electrically couples the gateway controller tothe dedicated electrical line by tapping into the dedicated electricalline to detect the transmitted first actuation command signal beingtransmitted on the dedicated electrical line; determining, by thegateway controller, a vehicle accessory, of the plurality of vehicleaccessories, to lock or unlock based on the transmitted first actuationcommand signal; and transmitting, by the gateway controller, a gatewaysignal to an accessory lock controller associated with the vehicleaccessory, wherein the accessory lock controller is configured to lockor unlock the vehicle accessory based on the gateway signal.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the vehicle controller is configured towirelessly receive the user signal from a key fob paired with thevehicle controller.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the gatewaysignal is a gateway wireless signal, and wherein transmitting thegateway wireless signal to the accessory lock controller comprisestransmitting, by the gateway controller, the gateway wireless signal tothe accessory lock controller using a wireless communication protocol.24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gateway wireless signal is aBluetooth signal, and wherein the wireless communication protocol is aBluetooth communication protocol.
 25. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising: decoding, by the accessory lock controller, the gatewaysignal; and transmitting, by the accessory lock controller and based onthe decoded gateway signal, a second actuation command signal to anaccessory lock actuator to lock or unlock the vehicle accessory.
 26. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising: determining, by the gatewaycontroller, the gateway signal based on the determined vehicleaccessory, wherein the gateway signal is an accessory lock command or anaccessory unlock command.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein thetransmitted first actuation command signal is a door lock command or adoor unlock command, wherein the door lock command differs from the doorunlock command based on whether a flow of current between the vehiclecontroller and a door lock actuator is positive or negative, wherein theflow of current is positive based on the current flowing in a firstdirection and the flow of current is negative based on the currentflowing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction,wherein detecting, by the gateway controller, the transmitted firstactuation command signal is based on whether the flow of current ispositive or negative.
 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising:determining, by the gateway controller, a second vehicle accessory, ofthe plurality of vehicle accessories, to lock or unlock based on thetransmitted first actuation command; and transmitting, by the gatewaycontroller, a second gateway signal to lock or unlock the second vehicleaccessory.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein transmitting the secondgateway signal comprises: transmitting, by the gateway controller, thesecond gateway signal to the accessory lock controller, wherein theaccessory lock controller is configured to lock or unlock the secondvehicle accessory based on the second gateway signal.
 30. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: counting, by the gateway controller, acorresponding number of first actuation command signals transmitted bythe vehicle controller, and wherein transmitting the gateway signal tothe accessory lock controller is based on comparing the correspondingnumber of first actuation command signals with a threshold.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, wherein counting the corresponding number of firstactuation command signals is based on a predetermined time period.
 32. Asystem for remotely locking and unlocking a plurality of vehicleaccessories of a vehicle, the system comprising: the vehicle,comprising: one or more doors having remotely lockable and unlockabledoor locks; one or more door lock actuators operably coupled to the doorlocks; and a vehicle controller positioned in, or on, the vehicle,wherein the vehicle controller is in communication with a door actuatorof the one or more door lock actuators using a dedicated electricalline, the vehicle controller configured to: receive a user signal from auser; determine, based on the user signal, a door actuation command; andtransmit, based on the door actuation command and via the dedicatedelectrical line, a first actuation command signal to the one or moredoor lock actuators; an accessory lock controller; and a gatewaycontroller configured to: detect the transmitted first actuation commandsignal using a gateway electrical line, wherein the gateway electricalline electrically couples the gateway controller to the dedicatedelectrical line by tapping into the dedicated electrical line to detectthe transmitted first actuation command signal being transmitted on thededicated electrical line; determine a vehicle accessory, of theplurality of vehicle accessories, to lock or unlock based on thetransmitted first actuation command signal; and transmit a gatewaysignal to the accessory lock controller, wherein the accessory lockcontroller is configured to lock or unlock the vehicle accessory basedon the gateway signal.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the gatewaysignal is a gateway wireless signal, and wherein the gateway controlleris configured to transmit the gateway signal using a wirelesscommunication protocol.
 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the gatewaywireless signal is a Bluetooth signal, and wherein the wirelesscommunication protocol is a Bluetooth communication protocol.
 35. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the accessory lock controller is configuredto lock or unlock the vehicle accessory by: decoding the gateway signal;and transmitting a second actuation command signal to an accessory lockactuator to lock or unlock the vehicle accessory.
 36. The system ofclaim 32, wherein the gateway controller is further configured to:determine a second vehicle accessory, of the plurality of vehicleaccessories, to lock or unlock based on the transmitted first actuationcommand; and transmit a second gateway signal to lock or unlock thesecond vehicle accessory.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein thegateway controller is configured to transmit the second gateway signalby transmitting the second gateway signal to the accessory lockcontroller, wherein the accessory lock controller is configured to lockor unlock the second vehicle accessory based on the second gatewaysignal.
 38. The system of claim 32, wherein the gateway controller isfurther configured to: count a corresponding number of first actuationcommand signals transmitted by the vehicle controller, and wherein thegateway controller is configured to transmit the gateway signal based oncomparing the corresponding number of first actuation command signalswith a threshold.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the gatewaycontroller is configured to count the corresponding number of firstactuation command signals based on a predetermined time period.
 40. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium havingprocessor-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein theprocessor-executable instructions, when executed by a processor,facilitate: detecting, using a gateway electrical line, a transmittedfirst actuation command signal on a dedicated electrical line between avehicle controller and a door actuator of a door of a vehicle, whereinthe vehicle controller provides, based on a user signal, the transmittedfirst actuation command signal via the dedicated electrical line to thedoor actuator to lock or unlock the door of the vehicle, and wherein thegateway electrical line electrically couples a gateway controller to thededicated electrical line by tapping into the dedicated electrical lineto detect the transmitted first actuation command signal beingtransmitted on the dedicated electrical line; determining, by thegateway controller, a vehicle accessory, of a plurality of vehicleaccessories, to lock or unlock based on the transmitted first actuationcommand signal; and transmitting, by the gateway controller, a gatewaysignal to an accessory lock controller associated with the vehicleaccessory, wherein the accessory lock controller is configured to lockor unlock the vehicle accessory based on the gateway signal.